Menstrual Irregularities and Pregnancy Concerns in Young Women

Menstrual issues

Hello, doctor.
I am 20 years old, and my girlfriend had her period on March 23.
We were intimate on April 5, during which both of us were wearing underwear, and there was no intentional rubbing or contact with our genitals.
I did not ejaculate at any point, but I did use my hands to stimulate her.
Later, I reached inside her underwear to touch her labia and engaged in digital penetration (up to 4-5 cm).
However, my girlfriend's period was delayed in April (about five days later than usual).
We used a pregnancy test (Man Shu Lei Dun) on April 26 and 27 (the latter using morning urine), which showed negative results.
After the test on April 27, she got her period, which was similar to her previous cycles.
The next period was on May 30 (three days later than before the intimate encounter), and the situation was similar to usual.
The next period was on July 3 (34 days later, while her previous cycles were about 30 days).
She mentioned that this was the most uncomfortable period she had experienced in recent months, lasting only three and a half days with a reduced flow (previously, it usually lasted five days).
However, on August 6, she experienced a strange occurrence with only light brown spotting, and as of August 8, she has not had significant menstrual cramps.
My girlfriend has an irregular schedule, often staying up late and feeling sleepy during the day, and in June, her sleep pattern was particularly disrupted.
However, she has not had any previous experiences of irregular periods due to this.
Additionally, she received the AZ vaccine in mid-July, and there have been reports of some women experiencing changes in their menstrual cycles after vaccination, but it remains uncertain, so I would like to ask the doctor.
I know the chances are low, but I am still worried that I might have inadvertently transferred pre-ejaculate fluid from my underwear to her during digital penetration, which could have resulted in pregnancy, especially since she did not experience morning sickness or any obvious signs of pregnancy.
However, I am certain that my hands were almost dry, and I had wiped them on bedding or clothing before penetration.
Furthermore, I found online that most cases of pregnancy in virgins are due to ejaculation at the vaginal opening.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Have you encountered cases of pregnancy resulting from digital penetration or similar hidden pregnancies? Can pregnancy be ruled out in this situation? 2.
Can vaccination affect the menstrual cycle? 3.
What are the clinical reasons for increasingly lighter periods with longer intervals?

pro q, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should not be pregnant.
The vaccine is unrelated to menstruation.
If you have a light menstrual flow, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/08/08

More Info

Understanding menstrual irregularities and pregnancy concerns in young women can be quite complex, especially when considering various factors such as sexual activity, hormonal changes, and external influences like vaccinations.
1. Possibility of Pregnancy from Fingering: In your case, the likelihood of pregnancy from the activities described (fingering while both partners were clothed) is extremely low. Sperm must be deposited in the vaginal canal for pregnancy to occur, and while it is theoretically possible for pre-ejaculate fluid to contain sperm, the chances of this leading to pregnancy without direct ejaculation into the vagina are minimal. The negative pregnancy tests you conducted further support this, as they indicate that there was no detectable hCG hormone, which is produced during pregnancy. It’s important to note that while there are rare cases of "hidden" pregnancies, they are not common, especially in the context you described.

2. Impact of Vaccination on Menstrual Cycle: Regarding the AZ vaccine and its potential effects on menstrual cycles, some women have reported changes in their menstrual patterns following vaccination. These changes can include alterations in cycle length, flow, and symptoms. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that the immune response triggered by the vaccine may temporarily influence hormonal balance, leading to such irregularities. However, these changes are generally considered to be temporary and should normalize over time.

3. Menstrual Irregularities: The irregularities you mentioned, such as the delayed periods and changes in flow, can be attributed to several factors. Stress, lifestyle changes (like sleep patterns), and hormonal fluctuations can all contribute to menstrual irregularities. In young women, it is not uncommon for cycles to be irregular, especially during periods of significant life changes or stress. The fact that your girlfriend has a history of irregular sleep patterns may also be influencing her menstrual cycle.
The reduction in menstrual flow and the increasing interval between periods could suggest a few possibilities, including hormonal imbalances, changes in body weight, stress levels, or even the onset of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If these changes persist or cause concern, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

In conclusion, while your concerns about potential pregnancy and menstrual irregularities are valid, the evidence suggests that the likelihood of pregnancy from the described activities is very low. The changes in menstrual patterns could be influenced by various factors, including the recent vaccination and lifestyle habits. If your girlfriend continues to experience irregularities or has concerns about her menstrual health, seeking advice from a healthcare professional would be the best course of action. They can provide personalized guidance and, if necessary, conduct further investigations to rule out any underlying conditions.

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